THE BLACK DEATH DURING THE ELIZABETHAN ERA

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Transcript of THE BLACK DEATH DURING THE ELIZABETHAN ERA

The Bubonic Plague During the Elizabethan Era William Shakespeareand the Bubonic Plague Bubonic Plague During the 14th century Symptoms How many people died? William Shakespeare lived in the Elizabethan era when the bubonic plague, sometimes referred to as the Black Death, was virulent. He was known to have a terrible fear of the deadly disease and its consequences and this is hardly surprising as it touched so many areas of his life including his life as an actor at the Globe Theater. There were high mortality rates amongst Elizabethan children and this was true of the brothers and sisters of Shakespeare some of whom were struck down by the Bubonic plague (Black Death) The bubonic plague is a zoonotic disease, circulating mainly among small rodents and their fleas, and is one of three types of bacterial infections caused by Yersinia pestis China was one of the busiest of the world's trading nations, it was only a matter of time before the outbreak of plague in China spread to western Asia and Europe.In October of 1347, several Italian merchant ships returned from a trip to the Black Sea, one of the key links in trade with China. When the ships docked in Sicily, many of those on board were already dying of plague. Within days the disease spread to the city and the surrounding countryside.

By the following August, the plague had spread as far north as England. A terrible killer was loose across Europe, and Medieval medicine had nothing to combat it.

In winter the disease seemed to disappear, but only because fleas--which were now helping to carry it from person to person were dormant then. Each spring, the plague attacked again, killing new victims. After five years, 25 million people were dead -High fever-Buboes-Nausea -Muscular pain-Bleeding in the lungs-Mental disorientation Presentation by:Parham, NeysaRamos, DanielaVillanueva, Sebastian Bubonic Plague The bubonic plague mainly affects rodents, but fleas can transmit the disease to people.The black death causes fever and a painful swelling of the lymph glands called buboes, which is how it gets its name. The disease also causes spots on the skin that are red at first and then turn black. ONE THIRD OF EUROPE'S PEOPLE. Contrary to popular belief it was not just the people who lived in the towns who were at risk of catching the Black Death or Bubonic Plague. Elizabethan farmers and retailers of farm produce, such as animal hides, were in constant danger of contracting the Bubonic plague (Black Death) and this was a deadly consequence of their job. The disease could also be air bound and transmitted from an infected person's breath. A devastating outbreak of the Elizabethan plague occurred in 1563 claiming 80,000 people in England. The cause of the Bubonic plague (Black Death) was unknown during the Elizabethan era so people were not in the position to take proper care or adequate precautions. Inadequate hygiene standards added to the problem and spread of the disease. How It Is Transmitted People called it "black death" because of the black spots produced on the skin.

The Bubonic Plague comes from greek origin meaning swollen lymph nodes (buboes). How It Got Its Name Treatment -There was no known cure Black Death was treated by lancing the buboes and applying a warm poultice of butter, onion and garlic. Bloodletting was also commonly thought to be one of the best ways to treat the plague.

Quarantine -40 days (Pointless because victims died within 7 days after contracting the disease Buboes -Painful swelling of the lymph nodes -Range from 1-10 cm-Started out red then turned purple/black. Plague Doctors The protective suit consisted of:- A heavy fabric overcoat that was waxed- A mask with glassed eye openings and a cone shaped like a beak to hold scented substances and straw (filter for"bad air"). How Did the Bubonic Plague Affect the Theater? -Every time there was an out break of the plague, theaters were forced to close. Effects and Consequences -Prices and Wages rose-Greater value was placed on labor-Farming land was given over to pasturing, which was much less labor-intensive-This change in farming led to a boost in the cloth and wool industry-Peasants moved from the country to the towns-The Black Death was therefore also responsible for the decline of the Feudal system-People became disillusioned with the church and its power and influence went into decline-This resulted in the English reformation